A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit La Paz or Beaver Creek?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Beaver Creek can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. And you can't forget about the skiing, food, and hiking.

La Paz and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in La Paz or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is very popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Beaver Creek attracts visitors for its skiing, theatre productions, and hiking. Beaver Creek is more touristy than La Paz and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach.

How is La Paz different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaver Creek and La Paz. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for snow skiing. However, La Paz is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

La Paz is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Beaver Creek?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

La Paz is a great city for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to La Paz can be an interesting and educational experience. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not a good place to visit for its theatre productions. However, La Paz is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

La Paz is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in La Paz or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

Foodies will find both La Paz and Beaver Creek both to be high quality destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Beaver Creek has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.


Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

La Paz is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities La Paz has a few options to choose from. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

If luxury resorts are your style, both La Paz and Beaver Creek have nice options.

With a selection of resorts, La Paz makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

La Paz is a great city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to La Paz to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

La Paz is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

The beaches in La Paz are among the best in the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Beaver Creek?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

La Paz is a great city for shopping. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.


Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is an extremely popular town to visit for families. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Paz. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Beaver Creek is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

La Paz is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

La Paz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.


Is La Paz or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

Both La Paz and Beaver Creek offer nice public transit options.

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Beaver Creek has some public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Is La Paz or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

La Paz
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Beaver Creek on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Beaver Creek?

Both La Paz and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in La Paz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

Families should spend more time in Beaver Creek than La Paz. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Beaver Creek, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Beaver Creek than La Paz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beaver Creek that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Beaver Creek if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in La Paz.


  • How many days in La Paz or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in La Paz or Beaver Creek?

In La Paz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Beaver Creek. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in La Paz or Beaver Creek?

La Paz is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Beaver Creek?

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of La Paz. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaver Creek. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Beaver Creek?

La Paz is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Beaver Creek. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or La Paz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $118, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $316. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for La Paz and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $52
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $104
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in La Paz or Beaver Creek? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in La Paz


Hotels in Beaver Creek


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: La Paz Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $22
    Beaver Creek $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $241
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and La Paz change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    La Paz $38
    Beaver Creek $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $13
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $133
  • Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
  • Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
  • Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
  • Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
  • Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $169
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
  • Espiritu Santo Island Tour: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $12
    Beaver Creek $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek than you might in La Paz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Beaver Creek Expensive?.